Bitch Boxer | Arcola Theatre

Bitch Boxer makes a triumphant return to the Arcola Theatre, following its initial debut at the Watford Palace Theatre. Written by Charlie Josephine and directed by Prime Isaac, the show packs a hefty punch. 

The show follows boxer Chloe Jackson as she gears herself up to qualify in a competition to compete in the 2012 Olympics, the first time women boxers were included. However, her training is derailed by the sudden death of her coach and father. Chloe, refusing to shed tears or slow down, pushes herself to new limits, turning herself into a fearsome fighting machine with little room for other emotions, a decision that causes issues in her otherwise cute relationship with Jamie, her significant other. The show culminates with Chloe fighting in the ring, as the audience become the crowd cheering her on at the edge of their seats, praying for her victory. 

The show, whilst short and following Chloe closely, also makes a rather compelling case for the importance of grief, belief and the importance of women in sports. Chloe's desire to fight initially stemming as a coping mechanism and healthy outlet from her mother's abandonment, shifts to the passionate feminist within her as she ages. This fire eventually turns hotter,as she burns to make her Dad proud as well, constantly referring to the many lessons and advice he gave her.

Josephine's pacing and Campbell's performance lend themselves to a fast paced, full throttled ride that infuses an electricity into the intimate theatre. Campbell's performance is energetic and engaging, and she is a dynamic presence who not only holds the audience in rapt attention, but has an undeniable likeability. Much like the character, Campbell's portrayal demands that audiences not sympathise with her, but rather root for her, which really helps Chloe feel more layered which is revealed in the short runtime. 

Josephine's writing is punchy and clever, with several lines of impressive and slick spoken word mixed into the monologue. These moments, often paired with Campbell's determination and training, pulsate with intelligence. Josephine's writing has an expert ability to reveal a wealth of character development without lingering for too long, with smaller details mentioned in passing that all add up to the boxer's current predicament. The writing takes on the role as both narrator and performer with the fourth wall being broken at moments, as well as being given a front row seat to the thoughts of Chloe. 

Isaac has ensured that audiences are fully engaged with the show, by keeping Campbell mobile throughout the show. Campbell is either pacing the limited space between the audience and the boxing ring, as she hilariously admits to her accidentally locking herself out of her house, to moments of intense exhilaration within the ring, whether it be a warm up, a break down, or the actual fight. Perhaps because it was press night, and many of Campbell's friends were in for the show, but the audience not only fed off of the energy on stage, but returned it with their own hollers of encouragement and love throughout, not unlike what Chloe would have experienced from her own audiences. 

Hazel Low has designed the show and kept the staging focused on the fighting. Arcola's small studio is in a basement with an exposed brick wall, which only added to the worn threads of the boxing ring. The audience surround Campbell on three sides, allowing for her to demand undivided attention, something she leans into, making sure that every eye is on her with the concentrated eye contact. The actual boxing ring also features a hanging punching bag that was further covered with old shirts. 

Mateus Daniel's movement provides a slick fluidity to Campbell's movement, with a believable force that she is a boxer. The punches (along with heavy breaths and quick sips of water), are thrown and audiences can imagine their impact as Campbell shifts herself. Although begetting violence, the fight movement do resemble a dance which Campbell has mastered. 

Jessie Addinall's lighting design helps create striking moments, with the golden glow helping cement Campbell's victorious state. Notably this is well utilised during a party scene, along with Mwen's sound design, transforming the otherwise tense stage into a loose and fun club. Taya Lovejoy and Grace 'G' Hans complete the talented company as Assistant Director and Stage Manager, respectively. 

Bitch Boxer is a winner of a play, with incredible writing, a well rounded play about grief and dynamic performances.

Bitch Boxer is currently playing at the Arcola Theatre until 14th March 2026 - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Ross Kernahan